Display stand



Filed June 18, 1937 Patented Oct. 10, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICEamazes DISPLAY STAND Application June 18, 1937, Serial No. 148,877

2 Claims.

The present invention relates to Display stands and more particularly torefrigerated stands for displaying fresh vegetables and fruits.

The primary objects of the instant invention are to provide a displaystand of the character above indicated whereby fruits and vegetables ondisplay may be kept irLa fresh condition; to provide such a displaystand whose vegetables and fruit may be displayed in an attractive andsales appealing manner; and, to provide such a display stand which ishighly efiicient in its intended use, is rugged and sturdy inconstruction and is economical in manufacture and in use.

An illustrative embodiment of the invention 35 is shown in theaccompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure 1 is aperspective view of the display stand;

Figure 2 is a sectional view thereof on line 2-2 of Figure 1; and

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view similar to Figure 2 showing a slightlydifferent construction of the case.

Referring then to the drawing wherein like parts of the structure shownare designated by the same numerals in the several views, the displaystand comprises a table portion ill provided with upstanding side wallsll, 82 and mounted upon cross members 83 supported by legs iii. 'i'heside walls ll have a longitudinal recess i5 39 therein along theirrespective inner lengths withwhich refrigerating coils iii are disposedand connected with a suitable source of refrigerant supply, and similarcoils may be disposed along the bottom, as shown in Figure 3.

Transparent panes of glass l'l, it? are vertically set into the sidewalls ll, l2 respectively forming upwardly extending portions of thesewalls and affording visibility to the interior thereof and to fruits andvegetables on display 49 therein within the wire baskets 89 supported onthe table. Y

A canopy 2i! partially covering the top of the stand is supported at itsopposite ends by vertically disposed panels 25 integrally formed withthe side walls M, ii and projecting upwardly of their upper lengths.

The opposite lengths of the canopy are provided with elongated rollers22 on which flexible curtains 23 are rolled, which may be unrolled onand along the free edges of the glass panes or upwardly extendingportions ll of the opposite side walls M permitting covering oruncoverlng of the top of the case. A refrigerating coil 5 24 ispreferably disposed under the canopy and a normally open top rather thana tightly sealed top as are refrigerators for general purposes since'disturbance of the warmer air above the vegetables and fruits on displayin the more or less stagnant pool of cold air within the case when thestock is removed from the case or when new stock is placed on display,effects a circulation or mixture of the relatively warmer air with thecolder air. The moisture laden warmer air thus causes dew to becomedeposited on the fruit and vegetables on display maintaining them. freefrom wrinkling (e. g. tomatoes) and wilting (e. g. lettuce) and in afresh appearance and condition.

Fruits and vegetables thus displayed and handled are maintained in amorning fresh condi- 25 tion and appearance which condition may in partbe controlled by adjustably covering more or less of the open top by theuse of the curtains which likewise provide means for covering the caseat night. 3d 7 Moisture is thus caused to be deposited upon the fruitsand vegetables on display rather than abstracted from their surfaceswhich method is more efficient than is the method of spraying freshfruits and vegetables now in current use.

It will thus be seen that the refrigerated case herein shown anddescribed is particularly well adapted for displaying fresh fruits andvegetables and for maintaining them in a fresh appearance and conditionsince the glass barrier ii) prevents the spilling of cold air andmaintains a pool of cold air in the bottom of the display case. Thedisplay case is thus eillclent in its intended use, is rugged and sturdyin its construction and is economical in manufacture and in use.

While but one specific embodiment of the invention has been herein shownand described, it will be understood that certain details of theconstruction shown may be altered or omitted without departing from thespirit of this invention as the same is defined by the following claims.

I claim:

1. A display case having side walls and a canopy partially covering itstop centrally, giving 66 ering the top'of the case centrally givingaccess to the cases interior through the open top sides and providingfor visibility therein, refrigerating units in said recesses, and arefrigerating unit disposed beneath the canopy above the side wallrefrigerating units and below the top of said side walls.

GEORGE J. HOPKINS.

